Gareth Bale

Five-time Champions League winner and Welsh football icon Gareth Bale has retired at the age of 33.

How do I put into words the way I felt, every single time I put on that Welsh shirt? “So, I move on with anticipation to the next stage of my life. How do I articulate the impact it has had on my life? “It was an honor to have one of the most talented, dynamic and exciting players of his generation finish his career with a title for LAFC, and we wish Gareth, his wife Emma, and their family nothing but the best in their future endeavors,” LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington said in a statement. “My decision to retire from International football has been, by far the hardest of my career,” he said in a separate “I feel indebted to many people for helping to change my life and shape my career in a way I couldn’t have ever dreamed of when I first started out at 9 years old.

The Wales forward has retired with a glittering CV but it was his breathtaking style which set him apart from the rest.

And perhaps it was inevitable that for a player who played to feel, who specialised in crafting moments of perfection and wonder, the half-cocked, pedalled-down extended dotage was never going to suit him. And to think this was once a skinny £5m left-back who failed to win any of his first 24 games for the club and was initially kept out of the side by Benoît Assou-Ekotto. In spirit and attitude Wales is Bale’s team, and here again Bale departs having bequeathed a clutch of match-winning, heart-stopping memories. [Southampton](https://www.theguardian.com/football/southampton) gave him a start and Tottenham catapulted him to stardom, then it was in Wales red that he went on the greatest journey of all. [Bale signed for a world-record fee](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/sep/01/gareth-bale-real-madrid-transfer-tottenham), won everything there was to win and yet somehow lost something of himself too. What was the point in taking a free-kick unless you were going to leather it into the top corner? [2018 Champions League final](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/may/26/real-madrid-liverpool-champions-league-final-match-report) is probably his best-remembered goal. In so doing he single-handedly dragged a squad containing Steven Caulker, Kyle Naughton and Lewis Holtby to the verge of the Champions League. What was the point in running unless you were going to do it as jaw-droppingly fast as possible? Most Madrid players either got this and devoted themselves to a life of service (Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Ángel Di María), or they left. Watch back some of his greatest goals and you can almost glimpse the school tie flapping behind him as he runs, a battered sponge ball sticking to his feet, the cautious teacher carrying a tray of orange squash across the penalty area. In hindsight, Cristiano Ronaldo in 2013 was simply too good and too brash to be surpassed or outdone.

Forward calls time on decorated career at age 33, says football has given him some of life's 'best moments'.

“My journey on the international stage is one that has changed not only my life but who I am. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have realised my dream of playing the sport I love. As captain and talisman, he led Wales to their first World Cup since 1958 at Qatar 2022.

It is objectively true that Gareth Bale has had a fantastic footballing career, excelling at the very pinnacle of the game. An output of 142 goals and 70 ...

As he bids adieu to the game, one thing is certain: Gareth Bale is a legend of the game. Out of nowhere, Real Madrid was ahead and as always, Gareth Bale delivered on the biggest stage. As arch-rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona fought a competitive game where both teams denied the other a lot of chances, Bale scored arguably the best goal of his career. However, it is during his time in Real Madrid that injuries really started to take a toll, putting Bale out for long durations – Gareth Bale would play over 30 games in only one season at the club (2014-15). However, just two minutes later, he scored what is regarded by many as the greatest goal of a Champions League final. In fact, beyond aggregate output, Gareth Bale will be most remembered for the many moments of pure footballing magic that he provided fans. Wherever Bale played, he always excelled in the biggest moments. Spurs would go on to win the tie in the second leg, with Bale contributing with two more assists. Gareth Bale signed for Real Madrid for a record fee of £85.1 million. Bale ended the season with five goals and eight assists, a great return for a fullback. At Spurs, Bale took a couple of seasons to get settled, with injuries affecting his playing time as well. While he provided many a moment to cherish and remember, on the whole, one is left wondering what could have been.

Bale departs as the author of the greatest individual moment in LAFC's brief club history. And his impact was larger than his overall unimpressive ...

Bale fell to LAFC in extremely unique circumstances — at the end of his club career but with an enormously important international tournament looming at the end of the season to keep him focused. It’s an interesting idea — that a star toward the end of his career might actually ease the pressure on a squad like the Philadephia Union or Austin FC if they contend again this year for their first MLS Cup titles. It also went that way for the first 96 minutes of the MLS Cup final against the Philadelphia Union before Cherundolo finally sent Bale on in extra time. The leadership and insight from that duo likely provided a boost that can’t be quantified. And whatever off-the-field marketing money Bale took in was also probably worth it given the enormous hype and attention he brought to the club and the league. He even became an afterthought through the first two rounds of the MLS Cup Playoffs for LAFC manager Steve Cherundolo, excluded from the team sheet all together in a conference semifinal win over the rival LA Galaxy and left unused on the bench in a conference final romp past Austin FC.

The former Tottenham and Real Madrid winger remains a legend of the national team, having guided Wales to two European Championships and its first FIFA ...

It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life. “After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football,” Bale said on Twitter. Bale played a Wales record of 111 games for his country and was a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid.

The Welshman was once the world's most expensive player when he moved to Real Madrid from Tottenham in 2013 and went on to win the Champions League five times ...

He lost friends in Spain when he responded to jibes over his priorities and love of playing golf by celebrating Wales’ qualification for Euro 2020 with a flag that read: “Wales. In that order.” He even scored a goal on football’s biggest stage by firing home a penalty against the USA, but Qatar was the end of the road for Bale and the end of an era for Welsh football. But Bale started three of his five victorious Champions League finals on the bench — testament to the fact that he failed to produce the consistent brilliance the Madrid fans, media and his managers demanded. At the peak of his powers, Bale inspired Wales to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 in their first major international tournament for 58 years. However, he will be most fondly remembered and loved in his homeland for his achievements in dragging Wales from the wilderness of international football to two European Championships and a first World Cup since 1958.

As Gareth Bale announces his retirement from professional football, we take a look at his incredible career highlights and achievements.

[The Sun](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/12359682/gareth-bale-madrid-lifestyle-home-cars/), in 2013, Bale was renting the former residence of Brazilian footballer Kaká. [restaurant and bar](https://www.augustman.com/in/food-drink/dining/biggest-food-and-dining-trends-of-2022/) Par 59 opened its doors on St Mary’s Street in Cardiff. [Adidas](https://www.augustman.com/in/style/fashion/adidas-is-releasing-unbranded-yeezy-350-v2/), Lucozade, EA Sports, and BT Sport are some of his most notable brand endorsements. [Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2015/06/10/gareth-bale-leads-the-highest-paid-athletes-25-and-younger/), between June 2017 and June 2018, he earned $35 million from his salary and endorsements. In addition to his annual USD 25 million salary, he also earns an estimated USD 9 million from brand endorsements. During the latter stages of his tenure at the Spanish club, he was plagued with injuries that started taking a toll on him and forced him to sit out many important matches. As a result, his career saw both match-winning performances and long absences from the pitch. Yet, he contributed to some of the most iconic moments in Los Blancos’ recent history, including his stunning overhead kick in their 3-1 win over Liverpool in the 2018 Champions League final. After spending six years at Tottenham, many clubs showed interest in him and he decided to join Real Madrid in the latter half of 2013. In a statement, he said: “My decision to retire from international football has been by far the hardest of my career. Known for his extraordinary speed and technical abilities, and considered to be an exceptional striker, Gareth Bale is one of the most popular football players in the world. On January 9, the Welsh footballer announced his retirement from professional football.

The Welsh attacker retired, effective immediately, from club and country.

The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/09/newcastle-target-carabao-cup-to-end-54-year-wait-silverware-leicester) [Napoli blast hooligans after fighting fans cause motorway chaos](https://sports.yahoo.com/napoli-blast-hooligans-fighting-fans-145403434.html) MLSSoccer.com](https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/will-lafc-miss-gareth-bale-here-are-their-options-in-attack) [FA Cup](http://www.sbnation.com/fa-cup) is rich with history and national pride. [Leicester](https://fosseposse.sbnation.com). Reyna: The breakdown - Stars and Stripes FC](https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/ssfc-podcast/2023/1/9/23545820/usa-usmnt-gregg-berhalter-claudio-reyna-danielle-gio-scandal-head-coach-us-soccer) [Atletico Madrid](https://www.intothecalderon.com) and Portugal forward Joao Felix on loan for the rest of the season. [Leeds](https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com) after a strong start in the Premier League. [Everton](https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com) manager Roberto Martinez is named Portugal head coach following Fernando Santos’ departure. [USMNT](https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/) head coach hiring process. [Arthur Blank’s AMBSE Focuses on Continuity in Leadership Reshuffle – Sportico.com](https://www.sportico.com/personalities/executives/2023/ambse-arthur-blank-leadership-reshuffle-1234700566/) [Robert Kraft States That He's, "Optimistic About A Revolution Stadium," For Record 29th Year — The Nutmeg News](https://www.thenutmegnews.com/current/2023/1/9/robert-kraft-states-that-hes-optimistic-about-a-revolution-stadium-for-record-29th-year) [LAFC](https://www.angelsonparade.com) will always be remembered fondly because of one goal, one header, one moment deep into extra-time of MLS Cup 2022.

The Manchester City boss wants to be one of the featured groups in Gareth Bale's retirement golf bonanza.

It has morphed from a media narrative to self-fulfilling prophecy in recent years, and who better to talk Guardiola out of it than Mr. Less than 24 hours after the Welshman’s announcement, he is already receiving invites to tee it up from all across sports, including from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, a mad-hatter-level soccer genius currently pushing to win his fifth Premier League title in the last six seasons. [announcing his retirement](https://twitter.com/GarethBale11/status/1612466979373461504) at the age of 33.

Vancouver Whitecaps sign Uruguayan defender Laborda Vancouver Whitecaps FC have added a second center back ahead of the 2023 MLS season, announcing Monday ...

[signed Eldin Jakupović from English Premier League side Everton](https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/lafc-sign-goalkeeper-eldin-jakupovic-from-everton). [re-signed midfielder Amar Sejdić to a one-year contract](https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/atlanta-united-re-sign-midfielder-amar-sejdic) with club options for 2024 and 2025. [signed the midfielder on a free transfer](https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/sebas-mendez-joins-brazil-s-sao-paulo-after-4-year-mls-career). [Sign up for The Daily Kickoff in your inbox!](https://www.mlssoccer.com/newsletters/) The Daily Kickoff is more than an article – it can be delivered to your email account as well. - The San Jose Earthquakes picked up Michael Baldisimo in the Re-Entry Draft and were able to sign him to a new deal. [signed Arnaud Souquet from Ligue 1 side Montpellier HSC](https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/chicago-fire-sign-defender-arnaud-souquet-from-ligue-1-s-montpellier) on a free transfer. Back in November, San Jose selected Baldisimo in Stage 2 of the 2022 MLS Re-Entry Draft. But they’re on a bit of a hot streak as of late when it comes to making steps in the right direction. The Five Stripes still have a long way to go to get their roster up to their fanbase’s standards. Some things will have to break their way, but is it really that far-fetched to see this group putting in a string of consistent performances that keep them above the line for most of the year? Yeah, it would have been nice to have him around for a CCL run, but he wouldn’t have been a locked-in starter. The 23-year-old had exclusively played for Nacional in his home country and now inks a three-year guaranteed deal through 2025 with an option for 2026.